This weekend, Calcio fanatics all around the globe were eagerly anticipating two major encpunters. The first took place in Bergamo, and ended with Napoli solidifying their Scudetto credentials with a key 3-1 victory over Atalanta. But the major showdown was reserved for the Derby d’Italia clash, as Inter managed to end Juve’s long unbeaten streak with a controversial victory. Elsewhere, Milan failed to break Bologna’s resistance at the San Siro, and saw their lead cut down to a single point. So let’s check out the tops and flops from Serie A round 31.
Top (Player): Beto
In a recent article from the Cult of Calcio, we mentioned Beto as one of the best revelations of the Serie A campaign, but also pointed to the fact that he’s enduring a recent goal drought.
In round 31, the Brazilian managed to break the curse in an empathic fashion, displaying his striking prowess by scoring a personal hattrick that left Cagliari in shambles.
Any top Italian side looking to bolster its frontline should definitely add this one to the the shortlist.
Flop (Player): Lautaro Martinez
On the other side of the coin, a true Serie A household name put up an awkward outing in round 31. The Argentine offered little to no threat for the Juventus defenses, and almost got himself sent off from the get-go by catching Manuel Locatelli’s head with his boot, and then ran the risk of receiving a second yellow card with other challenges.
Simone Inzaghi wisely took him off early in the second half.
Juventus vs Inter Player Ratings: Skriniar Leads Nerazzurri Resistance
Top (Manager): Luciano Spalletti
In the absence of Victor Osimhen, Luciano Spalletti had to improvise without his main star upfront, but his tactical choices turned to gold as Napoli commanded their away fixture against Atalanta from start to finish.
The former Roma manager surprisingly left Fabian Ruiz out of the starting formation, but his replacement Stanislav Lobotka put on an impressive showing.
Lorenzo Insigne left the match early despite scoring from the spot and providing an assist for the second goal, but Eljif Elmas took his place on the pitch and struck the final blow for La Dea’s hopes.
The Partenopei will surely be hoping for more brilliant displays from the touchline with the Scudetto race apparently going to the wire.
Flop (Team): Cagliari
On Sunday, Calgiari started their away encounter on the right foot by taking the lead thanks to their captain Joao Pedro, the Isolani then pressed the self-destruct button, allowing Udinese to score five goals with some major defensive howlers on display.
Luckily for Walter Mazzarri’s men, three sides still reside behind them in the standings… at least for now.
Top (Team): Udinese
A top notch performance from the Zebrette at home marked by Beto’s superb hattrick, but also featured a splendid goal from Nahuel Molina.
Flop (Jersey): Milan
When Juventus launched their campaign last August while sponsoring their hideous third kit, we thought they will surely earn the bragging right for the most hideous jersey of the season.
Nevertheless, Milan opted to give the Bianconeri a run for their money by adopting an awkwardly half-frozen fourth jersey.
Milano is widely considered as one of the top capital fashions in the globe, but this gruesome kit might force the world to reconsider the tag.
This is the worst AC Milan kit I’ve ever seen pic.twitter.com/9f6EiMWNhD
— dan (@hardmandesign) April 4, 2022